Artwork
Le Calvaire, St. Jean-de-Mont
Le Calvaire, St. Jean-de-Mont is a print by Auguste Lepère. It dates from 1909 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Created in 1909 by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, *Le Calvaire, St.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1909 by French artist Auguste Louis Lepère, *Le Calvaire, St. Jean‑de‑Mont* is a black‑and‑white print that depicts a quiet rural setting. The composition centers on a modest cluster of buildings and trees in the foreground, while a solitary church rises in the distance, establishing a sense of calm and spatial depth.
Subject & Meaning
The image presents a tranquil countryside scene, emphasizing the simple architecture of a village church against a natural backdrop. By isolating the structure within an unhurried landscape, the work conveys a contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the quiet dignity of everyday rural life.
Technique & Style
Executed in wood engraving, Lepère employs strong linear contours and varied hatching to render texture and light. The stark contrast between dark and light areas creates a chiaroscuro effect that models volume and guides the eye through the composition. The expressive line work and careful modulation of tone highlight the artist’s command of the medium.
History & Provenance
*Le Calvaire, St. Jean‑de‑Mont* belongs to the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. Lepère, noted for revitalising European wood engraving at the turn of the twentieth century, produced the print during a period when he was exploring rural subjects, contributing to the medium’s renewed artistic relevance.
Artist & collection
Artist
Louis-Auguste Lepère (30 November 1849 – 20 November 1918) was a French painter and etcher. Lepère is also considered a leader in the creative revival of wood engraving in Europe.
